Malaysia records history by advancing to the final of the second round of the Women's Hockey World League (WHWL) after beating first seeded team, Italy 2-1 via a penalty decider at the semi-finals action at Tun Razak Stadium here Saturday.
National player, Fatin Shafika Mahd Sukri emerged as national heroine when she scored two goals at the penalty decider after the game was tied at 2-2 at the end of the match.
The victory was all the sweeter when it qualified the national team to compete at the WHWL Semi-Final Round which is the final qualification stage to the 2018 World Cup.
In action in front of 1,000 local supporters, the Italian team first scored in the 10th minute via a field goal by Maria Garraffo before Malaysia equalised three minutes later via field goal specialist Fazilla Sylvester Silin.
The mistake of the Malaysian defender in clearing the ball out of the danger zone presented Italy with a penalty strike which was converted into goal by Agata Wybieralska in the 18th minute.
But, the national team once again rose to the occasion to equalise in the 26th minute via a field goal by Hanis Nadiah Onn and the position remained tied at 2-2 until the end of the first half.
The second half saw the Italian team staging several dangerous attempts but the Malaysian defenders headed by goalkeeper Farah Ayuni Yahya succeeded in denying them any goal.
The Malaysian squad's dream was almost shattered at the final seconds of the game after Italy was presented a penalty strike but was thwarted by the Malaysian defenders and both teams were still tied 2-2 until the game ended.
The penalty decider saw Farah Ayuni performing excellently to deny five of six attempts by the Italian players before Fatin Shafika emerged national heroine after scoring two of six penalty attempts.
Meanwhile, another semi-finals action saw second seeded team, Ireland beating Wales 2-0 to also advance to the final.
Ireland was forced to wait until the 27th minute to score via Yvonne O'Byrne who calmly scored from a penalty corner before Anna O'Flanagan scored from a field goal to confirm a place to the final.
The final action today would see another meeting between Malaysia and Ireland after they first met at the Group B match with victory on the side of Ireland at 2-1. -- Bernama
Bernama
Sun Jan 22 2017
The national team rose to the occasion to equalise in the 26th minute via a field goal by Hanis Nadiah Onn and the position remained tied at 2-2 until the end of the first half. - fotoBERNAMA
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.